Colonial science?
OPINION: Science funding for the bulwark of the nation, agriculture, is in a parlous state and less taxpayer money is shelled out for it every year.
Even though very little new spending was announced in Bill English's budget, and is welcome news for many in the science community, Professor Shaun Hendy, President of the New Zealand Association of Scientists and Deputy-Director of the MacDiarmid Institute notes that the total increase in science spending in Vote S&I is only about 3% after inflation.
"This still falls far short of level of investment in science and technology made by other small countries like Singapore or Denmark. Our on-going unwillingness to invest in science and technology means that Kiwis work harder and earn less than almost any other people in the developed world."
Neville Jordan, immediate past president of the Royal Society of New Zealand and science and technology investor is more upbeat: "An excellent budget for science, engineering & technology. Not just in terms of the new funding but the 'challenges' will have a marked effect on bringing together NZ science, engineering & technology to focus on solving issues of great importance to NZ.
"Overall, a score of 8/10 from me & a well-finessed budget considering severe international constraints."
Dr William Rolleston, National Vice President, Federated Farmers says it is pleasing to see the Government recognise the important investment in science during a period of tight fiscal constraint.
"It is particularly pleasing to see funds directed to our core capabilities and that is the production and support of sciences with an increase in the PBRF funding and a $59 million boost for science and engineering courses.
"At present I understand universities lose money on these courses. Human capability, particular in agricultural sciences has been run down over the years and is in need of rebuilding if we are to remain agricultural world leaders, extract more value from our agriculture sector and produce within environmental constraints."
Professor John Raine, Pro Vice-Chancellor - Innovation and Enterprise, Head of School of Engineering, AUT University is pleased to see that the Government has responded to recommendations in last year's Power Innovation report through initiatives announced in the budget, in particular the $326 million increase over four years in funding for Science, Innovation and Research, and the $158.9 million over four years to invest in engineering, science, and research-led learning in tertiary education institutions.
And Anthony Scott, Science New Zealand, says "these commitments reflect a sea-change in how New Zealanders regard science investment. A strong science base is now seen as vital to improving our future. It is pleasing to see the Government treat science investment as a must-have element in our national infrastructure."
"Increased subsidies supporting science and engineering tertiary study will help address the skills deficit in these critical areas. This is vital if we are to develop more and higher value exports, and protect and enhance our environment. To lift exports to 40 per cent of national GDP by 2025, we need to treble the private sector's R&D workforce."
